Measles can't be prevented by Vitamin A. Experts outline the real functions of this vitamin in the body.
Get ready for a breakdown of the recent Measles outbreak in the United States, the controversial vitamin A supplements touted as a preventative measure or treatment, and ways to safeguard yourself against this highly contagious disease. Hear from medical experts and weigh in on the topic.
Measles Mania
The United States is currently battling a significant surge in Measles cases, reaching 30 states as of May 15, 2025. With over 1,000 confirmed cases so far, the disease has unfortunately resulted in three recorded deaths. Western Texas and New Mexico have seen the highest concentrations of cases, but California, New York, and Maryland have also been affected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly advises travelers to exercise caution.
Measles: A Historical Recurrence
Although Measles has traditionally been kept in check, the recent outbreak is reminiscent of the two major Measles surges experienced by the U.S. in recent decades – the and the Indiana outbreak of 2005 – both of which were triggered by under-vaccination.
Vitamin A Vitamins: Myth or Medicine?
In recent statements, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, has suggested vitamin A supplements, found in food sources such as cod liver oil, and medications like budesonide and clarithromycin, as potentially beneficial in the treatment of Measles. While the CDC lists vitamin A as a possible treatment, they still firmly advocate for vaccination as the most effective means of protection.
Three expert voices from the medical and public health fields – Monica Gandhi, Danelle Fisher, and Daniel Ganjian – have come together to shed light on the facts about vitamin A supplements, their efficacy in treating Measles, and steps individuals can take to safeguard themselves and their community.
Can Vitamin A Prevent or Treat Measles?
"Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision and the immune system's function," Danelle Fisher explains. "While it does aid the immune system, Vitamin A does not have the ability to protect against infectious diseases like Measles."
All three experts agree that, while Vitamin A aids in immune system function, it is not a useful preventative measure for Measles. In cases of the disease itself, a vitamin A deficiency can make symptoms more severe. Oral doses of Vitamin A can, however, be beneficial in treating the disease.
Monica Gandhi elaborates, "A Cochrane review showed that two doses of Vitamin A should be given to children (especially those under the age of 2 years old) with severe Measles, and the World Health Organization recommends Vitamin A supplementation in adults and children with Measles."
Budesonide, Clarithromycin: False Hopes?
In light of the unproven benefits of the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin presented by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for the treatment of Measles, both medical professionals and other experts have expressed concern.
"There is no evidence to support the use of budesonide or other steroids as a standard treatment for Measles," Ganjian says, adding, "while there is limited data on the use of budesonide specifically, further research may be needed to clarify its role, if any, in Measles management."
On the topic of clarithromycin, Ganjian clarifies that antibiotics are reserved exclusively for the treatment of confirmed bacterial infections, not viral infections like Measles.
Prevention through Vaccination and Hyper-Vigilance
The CDC advises those with Measles to isolate themselves from others for four days, beginning four days before the appearance of the rash, to prevent transmission. Dr. Ganjian recommends, "Patients with Measles should remain in isolation from 4 days before to 4 days after the onset of rash to prevent transmission, as recommended by major guidelines."
The only proven method for preventing Measles is vaccination, especially in areas where the outbreak is occurring, such as West Texas, New Mexico, and elsewhere. Radical Home Remedies, such as Vitamin A, Cod Liver Oil, and other supplements, should not replace the unparalleled effectiveness of the Measles vaccine.
"Vitamin A is used when a patient already has Measles and is not a preventive measure. Therefore, there is no indication in this era (where we get plenty of Vitamin A in the diet) to take Vitamin A to prevent Measles," Gandhi explains. "The best way to prevent Measles is to receive the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine."
What about Cod Liver Oil: Frequently Asked Questions
Cod Liver Oil contains Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and essential fatty acids, making it a multi-faceted supplement. According to Danelle Fisher, "Cod liver oil contains high amounts of Vitamin A and Vitamin D, which can accumulate in the body if too much is ingested and cause Vitamin A toxicity."
While most individuals meet their daily Vitamin A requirements through diet, certain populations, such as premature infants and those with digestive disorders like celiac disease or Crohn's disease, may require supplements.
Hypervitaminosis A, or an excessive intake of Vitamin A, can cause damage to the body, with symptoms including skin and bone fragility, headaches, liver damage, and more. It is crucial to follow recommended dosages and guidelines for Vitamin A supplementation to avoid toxicity.
Current Measles Vaccine Recommendations
The recommends:
- Newborns and young children should receive their first Measles vaccine at ages 12-15 months and the second at ages 4-6.
- Adults who have not been vaccinated should receive one to two doses of the MMR vaccine, each at least 28 days apart. Consult your doctor if unsure of your vaccination status.
Remember, the best way to protect yourself from the Measles outbreak is through vaccination and by following the advice of medical experts. Fact-based information is the key to staying healthy and safe. Don’t be fooled by unfounded claims; stay informed and immune.
- The Measles outbreak in the United States has reached over 1,000 confirmed cases across 30 states, with three reported deaths.
- Western Texas and New Mexico have seen the highest concentration of Measles cases, but California, New York, and Maryland have also been affected.
- The recent Measles outbreak is reminiscent of major surges in the past, such as those in 1989-1991 and 2005, which were triggered by under-vaccination.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has suggested vitamin A supplements, including those found in cod liver oil, as potentially beneficial in the treatment of Measles.
- While the CDC lists vitamin A as a possible treatment for Measles, they still firmly advocate for vaccination as the most effective means of protection.
- Danelle Fisher, Monica Gandhi, and Daniel Ganjian, medical experts in their respective fields, have shared insights on the efficacy of vitamin A supplements, their role in Measles treatment, and prevention measures.
- Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision and the immune system's function, does aid the immune system but does not have the ability to protect against infectious diseases like Measles.
- Oral doses of Vitamin A can be beneficial in treating Measles, especially for children under 2 years old with severe Measles, as per a Cochrane review and the World Health Organization's recommendation.
- Budesonide, a steroid, and clarithromycin, an antibiotic, are unproven for standard treatment of Measles, and their benefits have been called into question by medical professionals and other experts.
- Patients with Measles should isolate themselves for four days, beginning four days before the appearance of the rash, to prevent transmission, as recommended by major guidelines.
- Vaccination is the only proven method for preventing Measles, especially in areas where the outbreak is occurring.
- Radical home remedies such as Vitamin A, Cod Liver Oil, and other supplements should not replace the unparalleled effectiveness of the Measles vaccine.
- Cod Liver Oil contains high amounts of Vitamin A and Vitamin D, which can lead to Vitamin A toxicity if too much is ingested.
- Newborns and young children should receive their first Measles vaccine at ages 12-15 months and the second at ages 4-6, while adults who have not been vaccinated should receive one to two doses of the MMR vaccine, each at least 28 days apart.
- To stay healthy and safe during the Measles outbreak, follow the advice of medical experts, fact-based information, and vaccination recommendations. Fact-based information is key to preventing the spread of misinformation and ensuring personal and community health.
